Louise Smith: Police doing fingertip searches in Havant Thicket after murder of Leigh Park teen
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Louise Smith, 16 from Leigh Park, was confirmed dead by Hampshire Constabulary on May 23, with detectives subsequently launching a murder investigation.
The teenager was reportedly living in a property at Ringwood House, in Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, and was last seen in the area in the street on VE Day.
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Hide AdWith an appeal for anyone who was in the area that day to come forward with dashcam footage, selfies, CCTV and Strava running routes, police are determined to leave no stone unturned.
Louise’s body was found in Havant Thicket, where officers are continuing their search.
While in the woodland area, police have been doing extensive fingertip searches.
A cordon remains in place around the site as officers conduct precise searches, which will continue tomorrow.
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Hide AdOfficers have also been doing more door-to-door enquiries, as they hope to trace Louise’s final movents from the Somborne Drive and Greywell Road area, up to where her body was found in the thicket.
Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie has urged that public support is key to the police’s investigation.
He said: ‘We have read the tributes that have been paid to Louise and we know just how much she meant to the community.
‘I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible, to bring justice for her and for her family.
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Hide Ad‘You will continue to see our presence at Havant Thicket in the coming days, as we carry out an extensive search of the area.
‘Officers will also be in Leigh Park, conducting house-to-house enquiries and seeking CCTV and dash cam footage.
‘This is a tragic case and if you have any information you believe could help us, no matter how small or insignificant you may believe it to be, then please do not hesitate to contact us.’
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44200163113.